— GWYNETH —

My phone alarm wakes me early in the morning, and this time it's not the annoying beeping - it's one of my favourite songs, and it makes me relax about waking to it. 

I slide out of bed, trying to be as quiet as possible. The others are still sleeping in their rooms, so I quickly hop out of bed and make my bed, spreading my beige duvet over my cream-colored comforter. 

I rush into the bathroom and brush my teeth, doing my hair in an elegant plait, pulling out a beige crop top and some white shorts. I slip my phone in my pocket and order a small sandwich, walking out the door and heading towards the train station, where I meet Natalia. 

Today is the day the Byrok officials arrive, and I see Natalia and Jamison waiting impatiently at the reception area. They're dressed in their official uniform, and Natalia's wavy hair is in a natural ponytail that looks good on her. Jamison's hair is gelled back, and he paces back and forth while Sophia and I talk. 

With a beep of warning, the train pulls into the station in front of us, and I stumble to the back in shock. Two people, a man and a woman who look to be in their late twenties, step out, this time in mint green uniform. They don the same pin as Natalia and Jamison, representing that they are officials of Byrok. 

It's a cool September morning, and I make my move on the officials, but not before they introduce themselves. 

"Hello, my name is Lavinia and I am the top ambassador of Aurore." 

"My, uh, boss," explains Natalia. 

The man introduces himself as Jacob, and we start walking towards the corner cafe. 

"Basically, that's our plan. What do you know about the dark technology?" I say, addressing Lavinia. 

Jamison and Jacob are talking among themselves, and Sophia and I are asking Lavinia about Prime Minister James. 

"Uh, I do know that the dark labs aren't easy to get to unless you have the key which is usually only kept by the top Rochbok officials and James himself. However, the life support machines are in the Capitol, which means that they have not been turned off because of the chaos that is ongoing." 

"Okay," I say. "How do you want to bring James away from here? I'd like to request a private meeting if I can," 

"I perfectly understand," replies Lavinia. "I'll see what I can do." 

I laugh, already thinking about what to buy for my friends as soon as the officials leave, and wonder what I'd be doing without them.

Kun taught me that not everything was my fault. Eunice taught me that I can always turn to craziness and fun in times of trouble - though when I see her woeful sorrow, I contemplate asking her to take her own advice. And Zoey... she taught me that everyone breaks rules.

My phone buzzes loudly, and I turn to retrieve it from my backpack, leaving Sophia and Lavinia to talk by themselves. 

Eunice is asking where I am. Should I have left a note instead of leaving this quickly? Are they worrying about me? 

Right, so they're real and back here. I have to stop overthinking. They're probably just curious.

I quickly reply 'I'm ok, I'm with Natalia" and slip my phone back into my pocket, making a mental note to discuss with my friends later, and turn back to the conversation.

Lavinia says that they are planning to take all the government officials away today with a few more crew members who are still on the train, and tomorrow they will banish Prime Minister James from this area. 

She needs my help. She needs our help, to make the announcement. But first, there must be no more trace of Rochbok here in the Adelaide Woods.